Social work license rules are unfair

The reason for my letter today is to discuss the requirements to achieve full licensure in the state of Michigan for a master's level social worker.

Currently, 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised social work experience over at least a two-year period is needed for full licensing. I am personally opposed to this policy. Speaking from personal experience, I have already been turned down for multiple positions for which they are requiring full licensing. It is more difficult to find employment utilizing this new degree because of the current policy. Social workers new to the field are also financially affected. If the agency that hires them does not provide the supervision required, they may have to pay out-of-pocket costs for someone to personally oversee their experience. This cost would only be added to their burden of paying back student loans.

Regulations and licensure requirements may be intended to be beneficial, but they are limiting employment opportunities and increasing financial obligations. In addition to this, there is limited, if any, research supporting the argument that 4,000 hours of supervision makes a significant difference in professional growth. There are approximately 28 other states in the U.S. that do not require supervision to obtain full licensure. Of the other states that do require supervision, the average amount of hours required are significantly less than Michigan's requirement. Additionally, students graduating with their MSW are already required to complete 600 hours of a supervised internship experience. Unfortunately, these hours do not contribute to the 4,000-hour requirement.

My personal internship is with a hospital in Farmington Hills. They do not hire social workers who possess only a limited license. There are many other agencies that adhere to similar policies. Because of this, I may be more equipped to do the job than someone who is fully licensed but they would be the likely hired candidate for the position simply because I do not possess the required credentials of full licensing.

I implore you to join in advocating for change in our Michigan license requirements. Social workers entering the field are being limited by a policy that is out of their control. Please help in bettering our social work opportunities by spreading awareness about this important issue.